Obituary of Richard J. Scanlan

Richard J. Scanlan, Jr. February 16, 1954 - December 11, 2018 Richard J. Scanlan, Jr., 64, of Wiscasset, died peacefully in his home on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 as a result of complications from ALS. His wife and family members were at his side. Rick was born on February, 16, 1954, the son of the late Richard and Mary (Gill) Scanlan of Newton Centre, Massachusetts. He graduated from Newton South High School in 1972 and attended the University of Massachusetts where he majored in Geology. Rick was a commercial photographer for over 30 years. His freelance career began in New York City in 1981 where he photographed everything from architecture and products, to fashion and events. His photographs appeared in various publications including The New York Times, Glamour and Interior Design Magazine as well as numerous architectural and interior design books. In 1983, while working in a photography studio in Manhattan, he met the love of his life, a talented artist, Ann (Miller). They married in 1985 and continued living in New York City until moving to Clinton, Connecticut in 2000. Rick continued his work as an architectural photographer but also began photographing weddings for friends which later grew into a full-time business. Ann worked with him while at the same time establishing an art gallery in their Victorian home in Clinton. Rick’s interest in fine art photography began in the spring of 2012 after he and his wife moved their art gallery to Wiscasset, fulfilling a lifelong dream of living in Midcoast Maine. Rick found inspiration in the people and the profound natural beauty of Maine’s coastline. In 2014, he received an Honorable Mention in the Black and White category at the Maine Photography Show juried by Freeman Patterson; his first entrant in a competitive fine art photography exhibition. Rick volunteered his photographic skills to many art organizations including the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, Connecticut. While living in Wiscasset, he enjoyed serving on the Wiscasset Waterfront Committee. Rick is remembered for being a kind, thoughtful and principled man with a quick-wit and a wide range of interests. He was a devoted NPR listener. He loved helping his wife operate Sylvan Gallery and working with the fine artists they represented. He was passionate about cooking and being with his beloved wife, family and friends above all else. After suffering from a growing paralysis in one of his arms, he was diagnosed with ALS in October of 2015. All who knew him were continually inspired by his spirit and courage as he battled this disease. Rick is survived by his wife, Ann, of 33 years and his three sisters, Ellen and her husband Larry Johnston of Winter Springs, Florida, Margaret “Mimi” and her husband David Flanary, of Acton, Massachusetts, Patricia of Watertown, Massachusetts, and brother, Joseph and his wife Rebecca, of Westford, Massachusetts, and by his many adored nieces and nephews. Per his wishes there will be no services. Contributions in his memory may be made to Compassionate Care ALS of West Falmouth, MA, or the ALS Association.